Baseball’s longball chase is back in full swing, and the 2025 season has gifted fans one of the most dramatic home run races in recent memory. With just a few weeks left on the calendar, five sluggers are duking it out for the home run crown , and each one has a unique storyline fueling their charge.

Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) – 53 HR

The switch-hitting catcher has been the surprise titan of this year’s race. Once known primarily for his defense and leadership, Raleigh has powered the Mariners’ offense with an explosive second half. Sitting at 53 bombs, he’s the current frontrunner , but the big question is whether he can hold off the heavy hitters chasing him down. If he wins, he’d become the first catcher since Johnny Bench to take a home run title, cementing his place in Mariners lore alongside Ken Griffey Jr.

Kyle Schwarber (Philadelphia Phillies) – 49 HR

Schwarber is no stranger to the spotlight when it comes to raw power. His “Schwarbombs” have been a defining feature of Philadelphia’s lineup the past few seasons, and this year he’s hunting for his first-ever home run crown. With Citizens Bank Park serving as a lefty’s paradise, Schwarber has the perfect stage to close the gap on Raleigh , especially if his hot streak carries into the final series of the season.

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) – 48 HR

Baseball’s global superstar remains firmly in striking distance. Ohtani’s 48 homers feel even more impressive considering he’s splitting his energy between hitting and his continued role as a two-way face of the Dodgers. If he adds a late flurry, Ohtani could leapfrog into the lead and give fans yet another milestone season. A home run title on top of his MVP-level impact would only expand his legend.

Eugenio Suárez (Arizona Diamondbacks/Seattle Mariners) – 45 HR

The veteran slugger has quietly pieced together one of the most underrated power campaigns of the year. Suárez may not have the same media spotlight as Ohtani or Judge, but his 45 blasts keep him firmly in the mix. If he catches fire during the last few weeks, he could play spoiler and stun the baseball world by stealing the crown.

Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) – 43 HR

No home run race feels complete without Judge’s name in the mix. While he trails Raleigh by 10 bombs, the Yankees’ captain is always one monster week away from making things interesting. Judge’s 2022 record-breaking 62-homer season is still fresh in everyone’s minds , and if he goes on one of his patented power tears, nobody’s safe.

The Final Stretch

This race has all the drama baseball fans crave: the underdog (Raleigh), the slugger built for October (Schwarber), the global superstar (Ohtani), the dark horse (Suárez), and the record-breaker (Judge).

Every swing matters now. Whether Raleigh hangs on for history, or Ohtani or Schwarber launch a furious late push, the 2025 home run crown is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in decades.

By Drew Lee | September 10, 2025